1
|
Cutellè C, De Lorenzo A, Doneddu PE, Creta MF, Selmi C, Liberatore G, Giordano A, Gentile F, Erre GL, Nobile-Orazio E. Cytokines and chemokines in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and multifocal motor neuropathy: A systematic review. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2024; 29:124-134. [PMID: 38600685 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Advances in the understanding of cytokines have revolutionized mechanistic treatments for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as exemplified by rheumatoid arthritis. We conducted a systematic literature review on the role of cytokines and chemokines in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Ovid Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched until August 31, 2022 for human studies investigating cytokines levels in CIDP or MMN. Fifty-five articles on 1061 CIDP patients and 86 MMN patients were included, with a median of 18 patients per study (range 3-71). Studies differed in the inclusion criteria, type of assay, manufacturer, control subjects, and tested biological material. Only a minority of studies reported data on disease activity. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, CXCL10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), were elevated in CIDP compared to controls in most of the studies. IL-6 and TNF-α levels are also correlated with disability. In MMN patients, IL-1Ra was elevated in the majority of the reports. While acknowledging the challenges in comparing studies and the various limitations of the studies, including small patient numbers, particularly in MMN, our review suggests that IL-6, IL-17, CXCL10, and TNF-α might play a role in CIDP pathogenesis. Larger studies are needed in MMN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cutellè
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Emiliano Doneddu
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Selmi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Liberatore
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Gian Luca Erre
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, Sassari University, Sassari, Italy
| | - Eduardo Nobile-Orazio
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Milan University, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Machnik G, Bułdak Ł, Zapletal-Pudełko K, Grabarek BO, Staszkiewicz R, Sobański D, Okopień B. The impact of wound-healing assay, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation and siRNA-mediated FURIN gene silencing on endogenous retroviral ERVW-1 expression level in U87-MG astrocytoma cells. Adv Med Sci 2024; 69:113-124. [PMID: 38403160 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ubiquitous genomic sequences. Normally dormant HERVs, undergo reactivation by environmental factors. This deregulation of HERVs' transcriptional equilibrium correlates with medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we sought to explore whether exposing the U-87 MG astrocytoma cells to traumatic injury deregulates the expression of HERV-W family member ERVW-1 encoding syncytin-1. We also examined the expression of FURIN gene that is crucial in syncytin-1 synthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Scratch assay was used as a model of cells injury in U-87 MG cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot (WB) and migration assay using Boyden chamber were used. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used for cell stimulation and gene expression inhibition, respectively. RESULTS Results revealed reduced ERVW-1 expression in cells exposed to injury (p < 0.05) while GFAP gene - a marker of active astrocytes, was upregulated (p < 0.01). These findings were confirmed by both WB and RT-qPCR. Expression of FURIN gene was not altered after injury, but cell stimulation by PMA strongly increased FURIN expression, simultaneously downregulating ERVW-1 (p < 0.01). SiRNA-mediated expression inhibition of ERVW-1 and FURIN influenced the mRNA level for SLC1A5 (ASCT2) - primary syncytin-1 receptor, that was significantly lower. FURIN inhibition by siRNA caused strong upregulation of ERVW-1 expression (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Results showed that mechanical impact affects the expression of endogenous retroviruses in U-87 MG astrocytoma cells by scratch assay. Regulation of FURIN, a crucial enzyme in ERVW-1 turnover may support the therapy of some neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Machnik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Bułdak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Karolina Zapletal-Pudełko
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland; Department of Molecular Biology, Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Katowice, Poland
| | - Rafał Staszkiewicz
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland; Department of Neurosurgery, 5th Military Clinical Hospital with the SP ZOZ Polyclinic in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dawid Sobański
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland; Department of Neurosurgery, Szpital sw. Rafala in Cracow, Poland
| | - Bogusław Okopień
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Charvet B, Brunel J, Pierquin J, Iampietro M, Decimo D, Queruel N, Lucas A, Encabo-Berzosa MDM, Arenaz I, Marmolejo TP, Gonzalez AI, Maldonado AC, Mathieu C, Küry P, Flores-Rivera J, Torres-Ruiz F, Avila-Rios S, Salgado Montes de Oca G, Schoorlemmer J, Perron H, Horvat B. SARS-CoV-2 awakens ancient retroviral genes and the expression of proinflammatory HERV-W envelope protein in COVID-19 patients. iScience 2023; 26:106604. [PMID: 37091988 PMCID: PMC10079620 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 may develop abnormal inflammatory response, followed in some cases by severe disease and long-lasting syndromes. We show here that in vitro exposure to SARS-CoV-2 activates the expression of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) HERV-W proinflammatory envelope protein (ENV) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a subset of healthy donors, in ACE2 receptor and infection-independent manner. Plasma and/or sera of 221 COVID-19 patients from different cohorts, infected with successive SARS-CoV-2 variants including the Omicron, had detectable HERV-W ENV, which correlated with ENV expression in T lymphocytes and peaked with the disease severity. HERV-W ENV was also found in postmortem tissues of lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, brain olfactory bulb, and nasal mucosa from COVID-19 patients. Altogether, these results demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 could induce HERV-W envelope protein expression and suggest its involvement in the immunopathogenesis of certain COVID-19-associated syndromes and thereby its relevance in the development of personalized treatment of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mathieu Iampietro
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Didier Decimo
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Alexandre Lucas
- We-Met platform, I2MC/Inserm/Université Paul Sabatier UMR1297, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Izaskun Arenaz
- Biobanco del Sistema de Salud de Aragón, Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tania Perez Marmolejo
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, México Ciudad, México
| | - Arturo Ivan Gonzalez
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, México Ciudad, México
| | | | - Cyrille Mathieu
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Jose Flores-Rivera
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernanda Torres-Ruiz
- Centro de investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, México Ciudad, México
| | - Santiago Avila-Rios
- Centro de investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, México Ciudad, México
| | - Gonzalo Salgado Montes de Oca
- Centro de investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, México Ciudad, México
| | - Jon Schoorlemmer
- ARAID Fundación; Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS); Grupo B46_20R de la DGA and GIIS-028 del IISA; all Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Hervé Perron
- GeNeuro Innovation, Lyon, France
- GeNeuro, Plan les Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Branka Horvat
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Subramanian K, Paul S, Libby A, Patterson J, Arterbery A, Knight J, Castaldi C, Wang G, Avitzur Y, Martinez M, Lobritto S, Deng Y, Geliang G, Kroemer A, Fishbein T, Mason A, Dominguez-Villar M, Mariappan M, Ekong UD. HERV1-env Induces Unfolded Protein Response Activation in Autoimmune Liver Disease: A Potential Mechanism for Regulatory T Cell Dysfunction. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:732-744. [PMID: 36722941 PMCID: PMC10691554 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are not terminally differentiated but can acquire effector properties. Here we report an increased expression of human endogenous retrovirus 1 (HERV1-env) proteins in Tregs of patients with de novo autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis, which induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. HERV1-env-triggered ER stress activates all three branches (IRE1, ATF6, and PERK) of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Our coimmunoprecipitation studies show an interaction between HERV1-env proteins and the ATF6 branch of the UPR. The activated form of ATF6α activates the expression of RORC and STAT3 by binding to promoter sequences and induces IL-17A production. Silencing of HERV1-env results in recovery of Treg suppressive function. These findings identify ER stress and UPR activation as key factors driving Treg plasticity (species: human).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Subramanian
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Saikat Paul
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrew Libby
- Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Jordan Patterson
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Adam Arterbery
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James Knight
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Guilin Wang
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yaron Avitzur
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mercedes Martinez
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steve Lobritto
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gan Geliang
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexander Kroemer
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas Fishbein
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrew Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Udeme D. Ekong
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reviewing the Potential Links between Viral Infections and TDP-43 Proteinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021581. [PMID: 36675095 PMCID: PMC9867397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) was discovered in 2001 as a cellular factor capable to inhibit HIV-1 gene expression. Successively, it was brought to new life as the most prevalent RNA-binding protein involved in several neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Despite the fact that these two research areas could be considered very distant from each other, in recent years an increasing number of publications pointed out the existence of a potentially important connection. Indeed, the ability of TDP-43 to act as an important regulator of all aspects of RNA metabolism makes this protein also a critical factor during expression of viral RNAs. Here, we summarize all recent observations regarding the involvement of TDP-43 in viral entry, replication and latency in several viruses that include enteroviruses (EVs), Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), hepatitis B virus (HBV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), West Nile virus (WNV), and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV). In particular, in this work, we aimed to highlight the presence of similarities with the most commonly studied TDP-43 related neuronal dysfunctions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Interplay between activation of endogenous retroviruses and inflammation as common pathogenic mechanism in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:242-252. [PMID: 36270439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into our genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. They have repeatedly been implicated in the aetiology and pathophysiology of numerous human disorders, particularly in those that affect the central nervous system. In addition to the known association of ERVs with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a growing number of studies links the induction and expression of these retroviral elements with the onset and severity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Although these disorders differ in terms of overall disease pathology and causalities, a certain degree of (subclinical) chronic inflammation can be identified in all of them. Based on these commonalities, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between ERV expression and inflammation and highlight that numerous entry points to this reciprocal sequence of events exist, including initial infections with ERV-activating pathogens, exposure to non-infectious inflammatory stimuli, and conditions in which epigenetic silencing of ERV elements is disrupted.
Collapse
|
7
|
Di Giorgio E, Xodo LE. Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs): Does RLR (RIG-I-Like Receptors)-MAVS Pathway Directly Control Senescence and Aging as a Consequence of ERV De-Repression? Front Immunol 2022; 13:917998. [PMID: 35757716 PMCID: PMC9218063 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.917998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bi-directional transcription of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (hERVs) is a common feature of autoimmunity, neurodegeneration and cancer. Higher rates of cancer incidence, neurodegeneration and autoimmunity but a lower prevalence of autoimmune diseases characterize elderly people. Although the re-expression of hERVs is commonly observed in different cellular models of senescence as a result of the loss of their epigenetic transcriptional silencing, the hERVs modulation during aging is more complex, with a peak of activation in the sixties and a decline in the nineties. What is clearly accepted, instead, is the impact of the re-activation of dormant hERV on the maintenance of stemness and tissue self-renewing properties. An innate cellular immunity system, based on the RLR-MAVS circuit, controls the degradation of dsRNAs arising from the transcription of hERV elements, similarly to what happens for the accumulation of cytoplasmic DNA leading to the activation of cGAS/STING pathway. While agonists and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway are considered promising immunomodulatory molecules, the effect of the RLR-MAVS pathway on innate immunity is still largely based on correlations and not on causality. Here we review the most recent evidence regarding the activation of MDA5-RIG1-MAVS pathway as a result of hERV de-repression during aging, immunosenescence, cancer and autoimmunity. We will also deal with the epigenetic mechanisms controlling hERV repression and with the strategies that can be adopted to modulate hERV expression in a therapeutic perspective. Finally, we will discuss if the RLR-MAVS signalling pathway actively modulates physiological and pathological conditions or if it is passively activated by them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eros Di Giorgio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Luigi E Xodo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jacob S, Kapadia R, Soule T, Luo H, Schellenberg KL, Douville RN, Pfeffer G. Neuromuscular Complications of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viral Infections. Front Neurol 2022; 13:914411. [PMID: 35812094 PMCID: PMC9263266 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.914411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article we review complications to the peripheral nervous system that occur as a consequence of viral infections, with a special focus on complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). We discuss neuromuscular complications in three broad categories; the direct consequences of viral infection, autoimmune neuromuscular disorders provoked by viral infections, and chronic neurodegenerative conditions which have been associated with viral infections. We also include discussion of neuromuscular disorders that are treated by immunomodulatory therapies, and how this affects patient susceptibility in the current context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is associated with direct consequences to the peripheral nervous system via presumed direct viral injury (dysgeusia/anosmia, myalgias/rhabdomyolysis, and potentially mononeuritis multiplex) and autoimmunity (Guillain Barré syndrome and variants). It has important implications for people receiving immunomodulatory therapies who may be at greater risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Thus far, chronic post-COVID syndromes (a.k.a: long COVID) also include possible involvement of the neuromuscular system. Whether we may observe neuromuscular degenerative conditions in the longer term will be an important question to monitor in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ronak Kapadia
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tyler Soule
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kerri L. Schellenberg
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Renée N. Douville
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Biology, Albrechtsen St. Boniface Research Centre, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Alberta Child Health Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Gerald Pfeffer
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oh J, Bar-Or A. Emerging therapies to target CNS pathophysiology in multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:466-475. [PMID: 35697862 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00675-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape of multiple sclerosis (MS) has contributed to paradigm shifts in our understanding of the biological mechanisms that contribute to CNS injury and in treatment philosophies. Opportunities remain to further improve treatment of relapsing-remitting MS, but two major therapeutic gaps are the limiting of progressive disease mechanisms and the repair of CNS injury. In this Review, we provide an overview of selected emerging therapies that predominantly target processes within the CNS that are thought to be involved in limiting non-relapsing, progressive disease injury or promoting tissue repair. Among these, we consider agents that modulate adaptive and innate CNS-compartmentalized inflammation, which can be mediated by infiltrating immune cells and/or resident CNS cells, including microglia and astrocytes. We also discuss agents that target degenerative disease mechanisms, agents that might confer neuroprotection, and agents that create a more favourable environment for or actively contribute to oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation, remyelination and axonal regeneration. We focus on agents that are novel for MS, that are known to or are presumed to penetrate the CNS, and that have already entered early stages of development in MS clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Oh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amit Bar-Or
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Experimental Therapeutics, and Multiple Sclerosis Division, Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Temelimab, an IgG4 Anti-Human Endogenous Retrovirus Monoclonal Antibody: An Early Development Safety Review. Drug Saf 2021; 43:1287-1296. [PMID: 32794123 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-020-00988-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Temelimab (formerly called GNbAC1) is an immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 monoclonal antibody that targets the human endogenous retroviral envelope protein HERV-W-Env, shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). By neutralizing HERV-W-Env, temelimab could act as a disease-modifying therapy for these disorders. It is currently in clinical development for MS and T1D. METHODS The safety information on temelimab (including potential infusion-related reactions, malignancies, pregnancies and antidrug antibodies) collected during three phase I and four phase II clinical trials was reviewed and is summarized in this article. RESULTS In the entire development program, 54 healthy volunteers received single doses of temelimab in three phase I studies, and 334 MS or T1D patients received temelimab for a total estimated exposure of 465 patient-years in four phase II trials. No differences were observed between numbers of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) or serious adverse events (SAEs) between treatment groups (including placebo), and the number of SAEs was limited. Furthermore, no differences were observed in laboratory evaluations, vital signs, electrocardiogram (ECG), or physical examinations between treatment groups. Rare potential infusion-related reactions were reported. Temelimab treatment was not associated with an increased risk of infections or infestations. CONCLUSION These results suggest that treatment with temelimab was not associated with any particular type of AE. Overall, temelimab was safe and very well tolerated over the tested dose range after repeated monthly administrations.
Collapse
|
11
|
Human Endogenous Retrovirus as Therapeutic Targets in Neurologic Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060495. [PMID: 34073730 PMCID: PMC8225122 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral DNA sequences established into germline. They contain regulatory elements and encoded proteins few of which may provide benefits to hosts when co-opted as cellular genes. Their tight regulation is mainly achieved by epigenetic mechanisms, which can be altered by environmental factors, e.g., viral infections, leading to HERV activation. The aberrant expression of HERVs associates with neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the recent advances on the epigenetic mechanisms controlling HERV expression and the pathogenic effects triggered by HERV de-repression. This article ends by describing new, promising therapies, targeting HERV elements, one of which, temelimab, has completed phase II trials with encouraging results in treating MS. The information gathered here may turn helpful in the design of new strategies to unveil epigenetic failures behind HERV-triggered diseases, opening new possibilities for druggable targets and/or for extending the use of temelimab to treat other associated diseases.
Collapse
|
12
|
Human Endogenous Retroviruses as Biomedicine Markers. Virol Sin 2021; 36:852-858. [PMID: 33905075 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00387-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) were formed via ancient integration of exogenous retroviruses into the human genome and are considered to be viral "fossils". The human genome is embedded with a considerable amount of HERVs, witnessing the long-term evolutionary history of the viruses and the host. Most HERVs have lost coding capability during selection but still function in terms of HERV-mediated regulation of host gene expression. In this review, we summarize the roles of HERV activation in response to viral infections and diseases, and emphasize the potential use of HERVs as biomedicine markers in the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, which provides a new perspective for the clinical application of HERVs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Balestrieri E, Minutolo A, Petrone V, Fanelli M, Iannetta M, Malagnino V, Zordan M, Vitale P, Charvet B, Horvat B, Bernardini S, Garaci E, di Francesco P, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Sarmati L, Grelli S, Andreoni M, Perron H, Matteucci C. Evidence of the pathogenic HERV-W envelope expression in T lymphocytes in association with the respiratory outcome of COVID-19 patients. EBioMedicine 2021; 66:103341. [PMID: 33867312 PMCID: PMC8082064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite an impressive effort in clinical research, no standard therapeutic approach for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has been established, highlighting the need to identify early biomarkers for predicting disease progression and new therapeutic interventions for patient management. The present study aimed to evaluate the involvement of the human endogenous retrovirus -W envelope (HERV-W ENV) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection considering recent findings that HERVs are activated in response to infectious agents and lead to various immunopathological effects. We analysed HERV-W ENV expression in blood cells of COVID-19 patients in correlation with clinical characteristics and have discussed its potential role in the outcome of the disease. Methods We analysed HERV-W ENV expression in blood samples of COVID-19 patients and healthy donors by flow cytometry and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis, and evaluated its correlation with clinical signs, inflammatory markers, cytokine expression, and disease progression. Findings HERV-W ENV was highly expressed in the leukocytes of COVID-19 patients but not in those of healthy donors. Its expression correlated with the markers of T-cell differentiation and exhaustion and blood cytokine levels. The percentage of HERV-W ENV-positive lymphocytes correlated with inflammatory markers and pneumonia severity in COVID-19 patients. Notably, HERV-W ENV expression reflects the respiratory outcome of patients during hospitalization. Interpretation Given the known immuno- and neuro-pathogenicity of HERV-W ENV protein, it could promote certain pathogenic features of COVID-19 and therefore serve as a biomarker to predict clinical progression of disease and open to further studies for therapeutic intervention. Funding Information available at the end of the manuscript.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Marta Zordan
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Pietro Vitale
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Benjamin Charvet
- International Center for Infectiology Research (CIRI), INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France; Geneuro - Innovation, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Branka Horvat
- International Center for Infectiology Research (CIRI), INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | | | - Paolo di Francesco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Virology Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Hervé Perron
- Geneuro - Innovation, Lyon 69008, France; University of Lyon, Lyon 69007, France
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gröger V, Emmer A, Staege MS, Cynis H. Endogenous Retroviruses in Nervous System Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010070. [PMID: 33467098 PMCID: PMC7829834 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The toxicity of HERV-derived RNAs and proteins for neuronal cells has been demonstrated. The involvement of HERV in the pathogenesis of currently incurable diseases might offer new treatment strategies based on the inhibition of HERV activities by small molecules or therapeutic antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gröger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW The aim of this review is to discuss recent data pointing at an involvement of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) onset and progression. RECENT FINDINGS The envelope protein of HERV-W family, named HERV-W-Env, was detected in pancreata from T1D patients and was shown to display pro-inflammatory properties and direct toxicity toward pancreatic beta cells. The etiopathogenesis of T1D remains elusive, even if conventional environmental viral infections have been recurrently involved. Nonetheless, a new category of pathogens may provide the missing link between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors long thought to contribute to T1D onset. A number of studies have now shown that HERV sequences, which are normally inactivated or repressed in the human genome, could be activated by environmental viruses. Thus, if similarly activated by viruses associated with T1D, disregarded HERV genes may underlie T1D genetic susceptibility. Moreover, once expressed, HERV elements may display broad pathogenic properties, which identify them as potential new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Levet
- GeNeuro Innovation, 60 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - B. Charvet
- GeNeuro Innovation, 60 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - A. Bertin
- Faculté de Médecine, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie EA3610, Université Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - A. Deschaumes
- Faculté de Médecine, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie EA3610, Université Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - H. Perron
- GeNeuro Innovation, 60 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
- Laboratoire des déficits immunitaires, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Plan-les-Ouates, GeNeuro SA, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D. Hober
- Faculté de Médecine, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie EA3610, Université Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Katsura Y, Asai S. Evolutionary Medicine of Retroviruses in the Human Genome. Am J Med Sci 2019; 358:384-388. [PMID: 31813465 PMCID: PMC7093845 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Humans are infected with many viruses, and the immune system mostly removes viruses and the infected cells. However, certain viruses have entered the human genome. Of the human genome, ∼45% is composed of transposable elements (long interspersed nuclear elements [LINEs], short interspersed nuclear elements [SINEs] and transposons) and 5-8% is derived from viral sequences with similarity to infectious retroviruses. If integration of retrovirus occurs in a germline, the integrated viral sequences are heritable. Accumulation of viral sequences has created the current human genome. This article summarizes recent studies of retroviruses in humans and bridges clinical fields and evolutionary genetics. First, we report the repertories of human-infective retroviruses. Second, we review endogenous retroviruses in the human genome and diseases associated with endogenous retroviruses. Third, we discuss the biological functions of endogenous retroviruses and propose the concept of accelerated human evolution via viruses. Finally, we present perspectives of virology in the field of evolutionary medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukako Katsura
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Asai
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tam OH, Ostrow LW, Gale Hammell M. Diseases of the nERVous system: retrotransposon activity in neurodegenerative disease. Mob DNA 2019; 10:32. [PMID: 31372185 PMCID: PMC6659213 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-019-0176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable Elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements whose sequences constitute nearly half of the human genome. Each TE copy can be present in hundreds to thousands of locations within the genome, complicating the genetic and genomic studies of these highly repetitive sequences. The recent development of better tools for evaluating TE derived sequences in genomic studies has enabled an increasing appreciation for the contribution of TEs to human development and disease. While some TEs have contributed novel and beneficial host functions, this review will summarize the evidence for detrimental TE activity in neurodegenerative disorders. Much of the evidence for pathogenicity implicates endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), a subset of TEs that entered the genome by retroviral infections of germline cells in our evolutionary ancestors and have since been passed down as a substantial fraction of the human genome. Human specific ERVs (HERVs) represent some of the youngest ERVs in the genome, and thus are presumed to retain greater function and resultant pathogenic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver H Tam
- 1Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 USA
| | - Lyle W Ostrow
- 2Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Molly Gale Hammell
- 1Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gruchot J, Kremer D, Küry P. Neural Cell Responses Upon Exposure to Human Endogenous Retroviruses. Front Genet 2019; 10:655. [PMID: 31354794 PMCID: PMC6637040 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral elements, which invaded the human germ line several million years ago. Subsequent retrotransposition events amplified these sequences, resulting in approximately 8% of the human genome being composed of HERV sequences today. These genetic elements, normally dormant within human genomes, can be (re)-activated by environmental factors such as infections with other viruses, leading to the expression of viral proteins and, in some instances, even to viral particle production. Several studies have shown that the expression of these retroviral elements correlates with the onset and progression of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further studies provided evidence on additional roles for HERVs in schizophrenia (SCZ). Since these diseases are still not well understood, HERVs might constitute a new category of pathogenic components that could significantly change our understanding of these pathologies. Moreover, knowledge about their mode of action might also help to develop novel and more powerful approaches for the treatment of these complex diseases. Therefore, the main scope of this review is a description of the current knowledge on the involvement of HERV-W and HERV-K in neurological disease specifically focusing on the effects they exert on neural cells of the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - David Kremer
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xin GLL, Khee YP, Ying TY, Chellian J, Gupta G, Kunnath AP, Nammi S, Collet T, Hansbro PM, Dua K, Chellappan DK. Current Status on Immunological Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Curr Diab Rep 2019; 19:22. [PMID: 30905013 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-019-1144-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Type 1 diabetes (T1D) occurs when there is destruction of beta cells within the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas due to autoimmunity. It is considered a complex disease, and different complications can surface and worsen the condition if T1D is not managed well. Since it is an incurable disease, numerous treatments and therapies have been postulated in order to control T1D by balancing hyperglycemia control while minimizing hypoglycemic episodes. The purpose of this review is to primarily look into the current state of the available immunological therapies and their advantages for the treatment of T1D. RECENT FINDINGS Over the years, immunological therapy has become the center of attraction to treat T1D. Immunomodulatory approaches on non-antigens involving agents such as cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil, anti-CD20, cytotoxic T cells, anti-TNF, anti-CD3, and anti-thymocyte globulin as well as immunomodulative approaches on antigens such as insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and heat shock protein 60 have been studied. Aside from these two approaches, studies and trials have also been conducted on regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, interleukin 2, interleukin 4, M2 macrophages, and rapamycin/interleukin 2 combination therapy to test their effects on patients with T1D. Many of these agents have successfully suppressed T1D in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and in human trials. However, some have shown negative results. To date, the insights into the management of the immune system have been increasing rapidly to search for potential therapies and treatments for T1D. Nevertheless, some of the challenges are still inevitable. A lot of work and effort need to be put into the investigation on T1D through immunological therapy, particularly to reduce complications to improve and enhance clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Griselda Lim Loo Xin
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yap Pui Khee
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tan Yoke Ying
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jestin Chellian
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Anil Philip Kunnath
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Srinivas Nammi
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2751, Australia
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Trudi Collet
- Innovative Medicines Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland, 4059, Australia
| | - Philip Michael Hansbro
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) & School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) & School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Curtin F, Bernard C, Levet S, Perron H, Porchet H, Médina J, Malpass S, Lloyd D, Simpson R. A new therapeutic approach for type 1 diabetes: Rationale for GNbAC1, an anti-HERV-W-Env monoclonal antibody. Diabetes Obes Metab 2018; 20:2075-2084. [PMID: 29749030 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We describe a newly identified therapeutic target for type 1 diabetes (T1D): an envelope protein of endogenous retroviral origin, human endogenous retrovirus W envelope (HERV-W-Env). HERV-W-Env was found to be detected in the blood of ~60% of patients with T1D and is expressed in acinar pancreatic cells of 75% of patients with T1D at post mortem examination. Preclinical experiments showed that this protein displays direct cytotoxicity on human β-islet cells. In vivo HERV-W-Env impairs the insulin and glucose metabolism in transgenic mice expressing HERV-W-Env. GNbAC1, an IgG4 monoclonal antibody, has been developed to specifically target HERV-W-Env and to neutralize the effect of HERV-W-Env in vitro and in vivo. GNbAC1 is currently in clinical development for multiple sclerosis and > 300 subjects have been administered with GNbAC1 so far. GNbAC1 is now being tested in T1D in the RAINBOW-T1D study, which is a randomized placebo-controlled study with the objective of showing the safety and pharmacodynamic response of GNbAC1 in patients who have had T1D with a maximum of 4 years' duration. GNbAC1 is being tested vs placebo at the dose of 6 mg/kg in 60 patients during six repeated administrations for 6 months; a 6-month open-label extension will follow. The primary endpoint is to assess safety, and secondary endpoints are the pharmacodynamic responses to GNbAC1. GNbAC1 targeting HERV-W-Env is currently in clinical development in T1D, with the first safety and pharmacodynamic study. If the study results are positive, this may open the door to the development of an innovative non-immunomodulatory disease-modifying treatment for T1D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francois Curtin
- GeNeuro SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Hervé Perron
- GeNeuro SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
- Geneuro-Innovation, Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Immune Deficiencies, Faculty of Medicine Laënnec, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Hervé Porchet
- GeNeuro SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Sam Malpass
- Southern Star Research Pty Ltd, Gordon, Australia
| | - David Lloyd
- Southern Star Research Pty Ltd, Gordon, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Küry P, Nath A, Créange A, Dolei A, Marche P, Gold J, Giovannoni G, Hartung HP, Perron H. Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Neurological Diseases. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:379-394. [PMID: 29551251 PMCID: PMC7185488 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The causes of multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have long remained elusive. A new category of pathogenic components, normally dormant within human genomes, has been identified: human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). These represent ∼8% of the human genome, and environmental factors have reproducibly been shown to trigger their expression. The resulting production of envelope (Env) proteins from HERV-W and HERV-K appears to engage pathophysiological pathways leading to the pathognomonic features of MS and ALS, respectively. Pathogenic HERV elements may thus provide a missing link in understanding these complex diseases. Moreover, their neutralization may represent a promising strategy to establish novel and more powerful therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section of infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alain Créange
- Service de Neurologie, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris (APHP), Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
| | - Antonina Dolei
- Department of Virology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Patrice Marche
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), University of Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1209, La Tronche, France
| | - Julian Gold
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University, London, UK; The Albion Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Hervé Perron
- Geneuro, Plan les Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland; University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Grandi N, Tramontano E. HERV Envelope Proteins: Physiological Role and Pathogenic Potential in Cancer and Autoimmunity. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:462. [PMID: 29593697 PMCID: PMC5861771 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are relics of ancient infections accounting for about the 8% of our genome. Despite their persistence in human DNA led to the accumulation of mutations, HERVs are still contributing to the human transcriptome, and a growing number of findings suggests that their expression products may have a role in various diseases. Among HERV products, the envelope proteins (Env) are currently highly investigated for their pathogenic properties, which could likely be participating to several disorders with complex etiology, particularly in the contexts of autoimmunity and cancer. In fact, HERV Env proteins have been shown, on the one side, to trigger both innate and adaptive immunity, prompting inflammatory, cytotoxic and apoptotic reactions; and, on the other side, to prevent the immune response activation, presenting immunosuppressive properties and acting as immune downregulators. In addition, HERV Env proteins have been shown to induce abnormal cell-cell fusion, possibly contributing to tumor development and metastasizing processes. Remarkably, even highly defective HERV env genes and alternative env splicing variants can provide further mechanisms of pathogenesis. A well-known example is the HERV-K(HML2) env gene that, depending on the presence or the absence of a 292-bp deletion, can originate two proteins of different length (Np9 and Rec) proposed to have oncogenic properties. The understanding of their involvement in complex pathological disorders made HERV Env proteins potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Of note, a monoclonal antibody directed against a HERV-W Env is currently under clinical trial as therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis, representing the first HERV-based treatment. The present review will focus on the current knowledge of the HERV Env expression, summarizing its role in human physiology and its possible pathogenic effects in various cancer and autoimmune disorders. It moreover analyzes HERV Env possible exploitation for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Grandi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Up-to-date knowledge about the association between multiple sclerosis and the reactivation of human endogenous retrovirus infections. J Neurol 2018; 265:1733-1739. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8783-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
24
|
Levet S, Medina J, Joanou J, Demolder A, Queruel N, Réant K, Normand M, Seffals M, Dimier J, Germi R, Piofczyk T, Portoukalian J, Touraine JL, Perron H. An ancestral retroviral protein identified as a therapeutic target in type-1 diabetes. JCI Insight 2017; 2:94387. [PMID: 28878130 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.94387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), remnants of ancestral viral genomic insertions, are known to represent 8% of the human genome and are associated with several pathologies. In particular, the envelope protein of HERV-W family (HERV-W-Env) has been involved in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Investigations to detect HERV-W-Env in a few other autoimmune diseases were negative, except in type-1 diabetes (T1D). In patients suffering from T1D, HERV-W-Env protein was detected in 70% of sera, and its corresponding RNA was detected in 57% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. While studies on human Langerhans islets evidenced the inhibition of insulin secretion by HERV-W-Env, this endogenous protein was found to be expressed by acinar cells in 75% of human T1D pancreata. An extensive immunohistological analysis further revealed a significant correlation between HERV-W-Env expression and macrophage infiltrates in the exocrine part of human pancreata. Such findings were corroborated by in vivo studies on transgenic mice expressing HERV-W-env gene, which displayed hyperglycemia and decreased levels of insulin, along with immune cell infiltrates in their pancreas. Altogether, these results strongly suggest an involvement of HERV-W-Env in T1D pathogenesis. They also provide potentially novel therapeutic perspectives, since unveiling a pathogenic target in T1D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Julie Dimier
- IBS, UMR 5075 CEA-CNRS-Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Raphaële Germi
- IBS, UMR 5075 CEA-CNRS-Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Department of Virology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | | | | | | | - Hervé Perron
- GeNeuro Innovation, Lyon, France.,Laboratoire des déficits immunitaires, University of Lyon, France.,GeNeuro SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Grandi N, Tramontano E. Type W Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV-W) Integrations and Their Mobilization by L1 Machinery: Contribution to the Human Transcriptome and Impact on the Host Physiopathology. Viruses 2017; 9:v9070162. [PMID: 28653997 PMCID: PMC5537654 DOI: 10.3390/v9070162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient infection relics constituting ~8% of our DNA. While HERVs’ genomic characterization is still ongoing, impressive amounts of data have been obtained regarding their general expression across tissues. Among HERVs, one of the most studied is the W group, which is the sole HERV group specifically mobilized by the long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) machinery, providing a source of novel insertions by retrotransposition of HERV-W processed pseudogenes, and comprising a member encoding a functional envelope protein coopted for human placentation. The HERV-W group has been intensively investigated for its putative role in several diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Despite major interest in the link between HERV-W expression and human pathogenesis, no conclusive correlation has been demonstrated so far. In general, (i) the absence of a proper identification of the specific HERV-W sequences expressed in a given condition; and (ii) the lack of studies attempting to connect the various observations in the same experimental conditions are the major problems preventing the definitive assessment of the HERV-W impact on human physiopathology. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the HERV-W group presence within the human genome and its expression in physiological tissues as well as in the main pathological contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Grandi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Buzdin AA, Prassolov V, Garazha AV. Friends-Enemies: Endogenous Retroviruses Are Major Transcriptional Regulators of Human DNA. Front Chem 2017. [PMID: 28642863 PMCID: PMC5462908 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses are mobile genetic elements hardly distinguishable from infectious, or “exogenous,” retroviruses at the time of insertion in the host DNA. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are not rare. They gave rise to multiple families of closely related mobile elements that occupy ~8% of the human genome. Together, they shape genomic regulatory landscape by providing at least ~320,000 human transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) located on ~110,000 individual HERV elements. The HERVs host as many as 155,000 mapped DNaseI hypersensitivity sites, which denote loci active in the regulation of gene expression or chromatin structure. The contemporary view of the HERVs evolutionary dynamics suggests that at the early stages after insertion, the HERV is treated by the host cells as a foreign genetic element, and is likely to be suppressed by the targeted methylation and mutations. However, at the later stages, when significant number of mutations has been already accumulated and when the retroviral genes are broken, the regulatory potential of a HERV may be released and recruited to modify the genomic balance of transcription factor binding sites. This process goes together with further accumulation and selection of mutations, which reshape the regulatory landscape of the human DNA. However, developmental reprogramming, stress or pathological conditions like cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases, can remove the blocks limiting expression and HERV-mediated host gene regulation. This, in turn, can dramatically alter the gene expression equilibrium and shift it to a newer state, thus further amplifying instability and exacerbating the stressful situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton A Buzdin
- Department of Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of SciencesMoscow, Russia.,Centre for Convergence of Nano-, Bio-, Information and Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute,"Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Prassolov
- Department of Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of SciencesMoscow, Russia
| | - Andrew V Garazha
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscow, Russia.,Department of Biomedicine, Moscow Institute of Physics and TechnologyMoscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rajabally YA. Novel Therapeutic Avenues for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: The Difficulties of Disease Diversity. EBioMedicine 2016; 6:12-13. [PMID: 27211536 PMCID: PMC4856771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf A Rajabally
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|